The Pacific Northwest cherry season is off to a good start overall, but the latest crop estimate is tracking toward the lower end of earlier projections — and possibly below it. Rain and wind events a few weeks ago caused some damage, according to Karley Lange, director of industry affairs for a Washington cherry organization, who noted the crop will likely come in at or slightly below the bottom of the estimated range.
This is a meaningful update for buyers who booked cherry programs around mid-range volume expectations. A tighter crop means promotional windows may be shorter, and buyers competing for peak-quality fruit during the Fourth of July stretch could face tighter availability than anticipated. BC cherries have already started, adding some supply to the mix.
Watch for Washington volume and sizing data in the next two to three weeks. If early harvests run small, retail ad programs built around large promotable volume may need to be adjusted or backed up with Chilean or BC supply.